Irene Liu, Ph.D. 2014

Science Editor, Cornell Lab of Ornithology – Ithaca, NY

2014 Ph.D., Biology

How has being a Biology graduate from Duke helped shape you personally and/or professionally?

"I couldn’t do my science communication job without the deep research credentials I gained at Duke. My familiarity with the evolutionary biology landscape came from the years I spent in a sharp and supportive community. It is a powerful reason for my enjoyment and success at my current job, because I'm comfortable quickly learning about a topic, explaining concepts to non-scientists, and developing science-based messaging for conservation campaigns."

What advice would you give students in Duke's Biology programs? 

"Gain knowledge of how discoveries and practices in biology have been used to uphold racism and injustice, and apply it toward improving equity in our field. In your day-to-day work, remember to ask the negative-space questions, like “Who's not in the room? What barriers to inclusion are at play?" And be active in changing the answers."

Irene Liu